Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
Native to the southeastern and central regions of the United States, ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Louisiana and parts of Texas.
Look up Corn Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable across their range, though habitat loss and the pet trade impact localized numbers.
Physical Description
Slender body with a distinct checkered or blotched pattern consisting of dark outlines around reddish-orange or brownish saddle-like blotches on a lighter grey or tan background. Belly features a bold black-and-white checkerboard pattern.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile, roughly 1 to 2 feet in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 182 cm (24 to 72 inches).
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or agricultural buildings. Prefers terrestrial environments with easy access to cover such as logs, bark, and rocks.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and bats. Juveniles frequently consume lizards and tree frogs. They are active searchers and constrictors that subdue prey by wrapping around it and squeezing.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females typically lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in rotting vegetation, under logs, or underground during early summer, which hatch after about 60 to 65 days.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable across their range, though habitat loss and the pet trade impact localized numbers.
Cultural Significance
Commonly kept in the captive pet trade due to their diverse morphs. Highly beneficial in agricultural and suburban areas for natural rodent control.
Notable Features
Known for their exceptional climbing ability despite being primarily terrestrial, and popular for their striking checkerboard belly scales.